How to Clean a Toilet
It may not be the most glamorous job, but keeping toilets clean is essential. Make the process fast and simple by following the steps in this guide.
Toilet Cleaning
Dirty toilets don’t just look and smell bad; they’re also a haven for bacteria. Grab your rubber gloves and use these easy-to-follow instructions for how to clean a toilet so it looks clean, smells fresh and is germ-free!
What you’ll need:
- Rubber gloves
- Sponge
- Toilet cleaner
- A household bleach, such as Domestos Thick Bleach
- Toilet brush
- Jif Bathroom Spray
- Cloths or tissues
How to Clean A Toilet
- Put on some rubber gloves – you won’t want to be using these anywhere else in your house, so either use disposable gloves, or buy a pair in a different colour so you don’t mix them up. You may also want to wear some old clothes for toilet cleaning.
- Remove any items around the toilet so you can clean thoroughly (and so they don’t get splashed with cleaner).
- Start with cleaning the toilet bowl. Use a thick household bleach, such as Domestos, which kills germs dead and also tackles tough dirt and stains. For the most effective toilet cleaning, squirt the bleach up into the rim of the toilet and allow it to run down into the toilet bowl. Remember: Use biocides safely – always read the label and product information before use.
- Leave the bleach to sit in the toilet bowl for 10 minutes while you tackle the rest of the toilet.
- Apply a disinfectant or antibacterial spray over the entire toilet and cistern. Work the product in using a cloth or tissues, wiping away any excess.
- Pay extra attention to the handle during toilet cleaning, as well as the underneath of the toilet seat – these places harbour germs. You should also disinfect the base of the toilet and nearby floor, which can attract drips and stains.
- Once done, go back to cleaning toilet bowl stains. Using a firm bristled toilet brush, thoroughly scrub the toilet bowl, including under the rim. Regularly dip the brush into the toilet water and bleach, and take care to scrub mineral deposits that can occur near the water level.
- To finish cleaning the toilet bowl, flush the toilet as you continue to scrub, then squirt a little bleach into the remaining toilet water.
How to Clean Toilets with Limescale Build Up
Tough limescale deposits can’t always be removed with conventional cleaners so try these natural solutions for cleaning the toilet bowl:
- Use white vinegar. This mild acid will dissolve and soften limescale deposits to make them easier to scrub away. Pour into the toilet bowl and leave it to rest for at least 2 hours before scrubbing with a toilet brush. Lemon or lime juice can also be effective.
- Try a bottle of cola! The acidic effect of the drink combats bacteria, while the bubbles loosen the limescale. Tip a bottle into the toilet, preferably overnight, then scrub as normal.
- As a last resort, a super-fine grade sandpaper can be used to gently scrub away limescale deposits – however, this can damage enamel, so use very sparingly and always try an inconspicuous area first.
Top Tip
Don’t put off cleaning the toilet bowl – regular toilet cleaning sessions and a product proven to kill germs, like Domestos Thick Bleach*, will prevent stains and limescale from building up (which means less scrubbing for you!)
Key Steps:
- Wear gloves and old clothing, and remove items around the toilet.
- Use a domestic bleach, such as Domestos, to kill germs and combat stains.
- Disinfect the entire toilet, including hard-to-reach areas and germ-harbouring handles.
Safety Warning
Do not swallow; do not mix with other detergents or chemicals, particularly cleaners. Mixing may generate toxic chlorine gas. Ensure adequate ventilation when using, vapour may be harmful. Strongly alkaline and corrosive. Attacks skin and eyes so avoid contact. May produce severe burns. Wear protective gloves and eye protection when mixing or using. Do not mix with hot water. Store upright below 25 degrees celsius. Rinse containers with water before disposal.
*Domestos kills germs such as:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Proteus vulgaris
